French Government Spokesperson Flees as 'Yellow Vests' Vandalize Office

French government spokesman Griveaux said about a dozen people, some dressed in black and some in yellow vests, used a small construction vehicle to break into the government building on January 5. They also broke several windows and damaged several cars, according toBBC.Mr. Griveaux and his colleagues had to run through the back gate and take refuge in a nearby hotel.

French Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux. Photo: France24.

French President Macron condemned the incident on Twitter, saying that "those who defend France, who represent France, the symbols of France" are being attacked.

The “Yellow Vest” protests in France entered their eighth week on January 5 and have spread across the country. The march in Paris began peacefully but by the afternoon, scuffles broke out. Protesters threw tear gas and set fires, forcing riot police to resort to heavy-handed measures.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said around 50,000 people took part in protests across France yesterday, more than last week but fewer than the 280,000 in November 2018.

The "Yellow Vest" protest movement broke out on November 17, initially to protest the government's plan to increase fuel taxes and demand improvements in people's lives, but later expanded to criticize President Emmanuel Macron.

Mr Macron sought to ease the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to support pensioners and low-income workers, and postponing a planned fuel tax hike.

The move has divided the Yellow Vests. Moderates are willing to engage in dialogue with the government, while others continue to protest and put pressure on the government, believing that the government's solution is not satisfactory.

The door to Mr Griveaux's office in Paris was damaged by protesters. Photo: AFP.

Earlier this week, Eric Drouet, one of the leaders of the "Yellow Vests", was arrested for a second time on charges of planning a protest in Paris without informing the authorities as required by law. The arrest led to criticism of the French government for "abusing power" and Drouet was released after a day.

Drouet's arrest signals that the French government is taking a tougher approach to the "Yellow Vest" protests that have been going on for nearly two months.

However, according to observers, this new approach has the potential to backfire in the context of people still being dissatisfied with the government's economic policies.